9 Reasons to Say Yes when He Proposes ...

1. He’s Your Best Friend

There are so many very good reasons to say yes, but first and foremost, marry him if the two of you are best friends. I’m not saying you need to be platonic friends, but that you know you’re yourself around him, that you can tell him anything, and he won’t judge you. In fact, he’ll love you even more for going for that second ice cream, or for knowing how obsessed you are with Sherlock and Modern Family – in fact, he’ll even camp with you on the couch for an entire weekend, just to get caught up on all of the seasons in one go. He’s there for you, like a best friend should be, to help you celebrate life’s successes, and get through the challenges, too. Say yes!

2. You Just Click

From day one, you and your love bug have been so comfortable with each other. There was never that awkward getting-to-know-you phase – you’ve been on the same page from day one; even from the beginning, it felt natural to spend 72 hours straight with him. This component of a relationship isn’t a proposal deal-breaker, but if he can finish both your sentences and your burger (after you’re full, of course), and you have that instant “click,” it definitely goes in the “win” column.

3. You Share the Same Values

By this time, you know how your sweetheart feels about life’s issues, big and small, like whether or not you both want children (big!) or how you feel about Popeye’s fried chicken (also big!). You don’t necessarily have to have the exact same political or religious views, but if you’ve moved past heated debates over whether the air conditioning goes on or off at bedtime, and can now bicker for fun over which food cart has the best bubble tea, you’re good.

4. You Trust and Respect Each Other

I can’t stress how important it is to trust and respect your honey, and to know that he trusts and respects you, too. Ask yourself: does he fight fair (no cheap shots), and do you? Do you nip tiny misunderstandings and disagreements in the bud, before they pile on and feelings get hurt? Do you know he has your back, no matter what, and do you have his? Do you know he wants you to succeed, always, in everything you do, and that you’re both on the same team? If you answered “yes” to all of these, then when he proposes, you should say “yes” again.

5. Your Relationship Survived

At some point, every relationship has been tested, and if you’ve made it this far, you’ve likely weathered more than one storm together. Let’s say for example you’ve had a long-distance relationship – those miles apart can often undo a lesser relationship, but the two of you made it through. Your relationship flourished under pressure, rather than wilting, and if you can handle the miles and cultural differences between cool-reserve New England and the spicy Southwest, your relationship is matrimony material.

6. He Walks the Walk

It’s not enough for a guy to say he’ll always be there for you, or that he’ll be yours no matter what – his actions have to match his words – he has to convince you. You know his word means something. Big or small, he keeps his promises – if he says he’ll fix the sink or love you forever, he does it, with equal commitment and verve. This “walking the walk” goes hand-in-hand with the respect/trust point, but it’s so important, it deserves to be mentioned on its own.

7. He Makes You Laugh

Decades from now, when the two of you are old and grey, more than you adore his long eyelashes or gorgeous hands, you’ll love that he can still make you laugh. No matter what’s going on in your life, you know he’ll find the humor in any given situation and make you giggle, groan, and guffaw; he can turn the gloomiest day into the best day ever, and you love him for it. And for his collection of Dad jokes.

8. You Know He Loves You

Sure, your guy is passionate about a lot of things – his career, food, family, squash, electronics, the lovable teddy bear poodle you share – but you know you’re at the top of that list; you know he loves you more than anything, with all his heart, even more than cookies. If he had to choose between you and his beloved cookies, you know he’d pick you… not that you would ever, ever be cruel enough to make him choose.

9. And You Love Him

This, of course, doesn’t even really need a mention, but there it is – if all of these are true, and you love him, then I can’t believe you’re even still reading this! Put down your smart phone, step away from your computer, and say yes!

With so many reasons to say yes, the decision won’t be nearly as difficult as the wait for him to pop the magic question – will it be tonight? This weekend? Next year? Be patient, sweetie – it’ll be soon, trust me. And if he’s already asked, how did you know you just had to say yes?

UPDATE:
She said yes! Congratulations to Aaron and Tiffany, who
today, with a little help from AWS, were engaged. We're delighted they let us play a small part in their life together, and we wish them all imaginable happiness.